Definition

1. Noun:
   • A paramagnet is a type of material that becomes weakly magnetized when placed in an external magnetic field. The magnetization occurs because the material's atomic magnetic moments align with the direction of the applied field. This induced magnetism is temporary and disappears when the external field is removed.

Usage

• The term paramagnet is used to classify and describe materials based on their magnetic properties, specifically those that exhibit paramagnetism.
• It is a scientific term primarily used in physics, chemistry, and materials science contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Aluminum is a classic example of a paramagnet at room temperature.
  • The researcher measured the magnetic susceptibility of the paramagnet.
  • Unlike a ferromagnet, a paramagnet does not retain its magnetization without an external field.

Advanced Usage

• Paramagnetic: This is the related adjective. A material is described as if it exhibits the properties of a paramagnet.
  • Oxygen gas is paramagnetic, which is why liquid oxygen can be suspended between the poles of a magnet.
• Paramagnetism: This is the noun describing the phenomenon or property itself.
  • The paramagnetism of the sample was too weak to detect with our equipment.

Variants and Related Words

• Paramagnetic (adj): Having the characteristics of a paramagnet; weakly attracted by a magnet.
• Paramagnetism (n): The property or phenomenon exhibited by a paramagnet.

Synonyms

• Paramagnetic material
• (There are no direct common-language synonyms, as this is a precise scientific term. The opposite would be a diamagnet.)

Antonyms

• Diamagnet: A material that creates an induced magnetic field in a direction opposite to an externally applied magnetic field, causing it to be weakly repelled.
• Ferromagnet: A material (like iron) that can exhibit strong, permanent magnetization.

Noun

1. magnet made of a substance whose magnetization is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field applied to it